Many artists talk of giving something back, and then some actually do.
Charlie Landsborough belongs firmly in that camp. Known for his generosity of time and deed Charlie has just been extended a significant invitation. He has been invited to become Musical Patron of St. Vincent’s school for the visually impaired in Liverpool.
This residential special school has been running for over 180 years and is part of several national networks as well as a world-wide one. It aims to tailor its pupils’ needs to fit into a modern, high tech society that can engage and support them and provide future prospects. It is unique in that it delivers teacher training in school and as such undertakes the research for the National College of Teaching and Learning.
Charlie joins other Patrons including Lord Alton of Liverpool, Lord Clarke, Lord Evans, Baroness Cox and, as Sports Patron, ex-world snooker champion John Parrott. Another recent high profile patron is Tim Reddish, Chairman and President of the British Paralympic Association
Charlie’s involvement stretches further though. His song “What Colour Is The Wind”, written about a blind child asking just that question, is now to be adopted as the school’s anthem.
Moreover, it is to be sung by pupils from the school at the start of his forthcoming Liverpool concert, along with another of his songs, “Things My Ears Can Do”.
A teacher himself for many years before he found musical fame in his fifties with “What Colour Is The Wind”, Charlie always likes to draw upon local talent wherever possible. He previously ran a competition to find the best local choirs to open one of his tours, providing the cash prize himself.
Having spent most of the year writing material for his next studio album (his 29th CD), Charlie takes to the road this autumn to play a handful of selected dates so as not to disappoint his fans. Renowned for his live shows and quality musicianship, this will be his only U.K. tour this year but one that will include Liverpool on Sunday 30th October at the Philharmonic Hall. Tickets are priced £17 – £28 and are on sale now from all usual venues.